Estonian formin: Disregarding principles of international law comes at a price

TALLINN, Apr 17, BNS - Estonian Foreign Minister Sven Mikser at a meeting of the European Union's Foreign Affairs Council (FAC) in Luxembourg on Monday discussed the situation in Syria, the relations between the EU and Russia, the Western Balkan question and issues concerning the Iran nuclear deal, saying that disregarding the principles of international law comes at a price.

"Syria needs a real peace process. Only this way is it possible to reach peace and stability for the Syrian people," Mikser said and reiterated that Estonia strongly condemns the use of chemical weapons in Syria. "On April 14 allies gave an appropriate, proportional and legitimate response to the repeated use of chemical weapons by the Syrian regime," the minister said and added that the UN Security Council must find a solution to the protracted civil war in Syria and all its members must contribute constructively to the solution.

"We must make it absolutely clear to Russia that disregarding the principles of international law comes at a price. It is important that the EU is united and resolute when pressuring Russia and that the sanctions policy is closely coordinated with partners on the other side of the Atlantic," Mikser said during the discussion on EU-Russia relations.

On the issue of Iran, the Council focused on the importance of the nuclear deal to regional and global security and emphasized Europe's commitment to the agreement. Mikser expressed support for the initiative of France, Germany and the United Kingdom to preserve the nuclear deal.

Over lunch, the Council exchanged views on the security situation in the Western Balkans and discussed preparation for the EU-Western Balkans summit in Sofia on May 17, 2018. Mikser expressed hope that the upcoming summit will be ambitious and will strengthen ties between the EU and the Western Balkan countries. The minister emphasized that by strengthening cooperation between countries, Europe will have an opportunity to take on different challenges together, for example security and migration challenges.

The Council also exchanged views on the future financing of external action instruments after 2020.

After the Foreign Affairs Council, Mikser awarded the Prime Minister of Luxembourg, Xavier Bettel, the Order of the Cross of Terra Mariana, First Class, for his contribution to the strengthening of the relations between Estonia and Luxembourg.